Humidifiers are a hot winter item due to dry indoor
air. During the cold months, sales for
humidifiers typically triple due to consumer demand.
The latest issue of
Consumer Reports (CR) finds top-rated humidifiers for as little as $30, but shoppers
need to be cautious because a few models tested fell short of claims.
"Low prices and a raft of antimicrobial promises can be
extremely enticing, but our latest tests show that some models humidify less
than their claims suggest," says Bob Markovich, home and yard editor at
Consumer Reports. "And even with humidifiers that discourage microbes,
consumers will still need to clean and disinfect the tank regularly due to the
sitting water."
What you need to know
- Tabletops cover smaller spaces. The right size is critical because too much humidity can promote dust mites, mold, and other allergens. The Safety 1st, Ultrasonic 360, a CR Best Buy, $30, is designed for 330-square-foot areas. The pricier Air-O-Swiss A0S7135, $170, and Vicks V4500, $65, can cover more space and have a humidistat that automatically shuts them off when they reach a level set.
- High output means more noise. Console models such as the Essick MA1201, $110, and Kenmore 15412, $140 handle large, open spaces over 2,000 square feet. Both have a humidistat and larger tanks that require less refilling, but are about as noisy as a room air conditioner.
- Decide on mist. Among recommended models, the Air-O-Swiss A0S7135, $170, and Sunpentown SU-4010, $90, can produce cool or warm mist. The Vicks V745A, $45, uses a heating element to create steam and kill bacteria and other microbes as the water is heated. But steam models can pose scalding risks, so CR recommends keeping them away from children.
- Don't buy solely by type. Ultrasonic humidifiers are quiet because they trade the usual fan for a vibrating nebulizer, while evaporative models blow air over a wet wick, and impeller models produce mist using a rotating disc. But performance varied widely for all types.
- Keep it clean. The Sharper Image HD10, $55 features "Clean
Mist Technology" that's supposed to "prevent microbial growth on the surface of
the water tank." But Consumer Reports tests revealed plenty of bacteria inside.
That's why regular maintenance is critical for all humidifiers; that typically
includes changing the water daily and disinfecting the tank weekly.
Filter complaints
Danielle of Buchanan, NY, has had a problem with filters. "I had bought the (Evenflo Cool Mist) humidifier and love it. The only
problem is the refills," she writes ConsumerAffairs.com. "I can use them two
or three times then they need to be thrown away! The color and the smell of them is
horrible! It says on the box they have this Microban in the to prevent this but
does it work? No." Danielle says it's costing her "a fortune" to
replace the filters.
"I purchased the care free humidifier plus from
Hunter, thinking that I will never need to replace the filter," writes
Ethel from Kearny, NJ. She says she
stored the machine after five months of use and then unpacked it to use when
cold weather returned. "When I turned on, the machine started to smell
really bad like mildew. I called the company and they told me to purchase a new
filter. Then I asked about the 'No need to replace filter' advertisement, she
told me she could do nothing about it."
